Broncos' Kayvon Webster primed to shine

Entering last year of contract, cornerback eyeing bigger role

Broncos reserve cornerback Kayvon Webster celebrates after breaking up a pass against the Raiders last October in Oakland, Calif.

In the darkness after practice, cornerback Kayvon Webster can't make the starting lineup, but he can make sure he is ready if the opportunity surfaces. It's his fault, of course. He loves to work, having seen how hours of "staying on the grind" turned him into his family's first college graduate and a Super Bowl champion.

So as the Broncos' mandatory minicamp ended Thursday, Webster's pursuit of a bigger role did not. He has worked out in Los Angeles with a good friend, Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Antonio Brown. He ran drills with trainers in Miami, improved his balance with a Busco board. And if that guy at the local Lifetime Fitness looks familiar, it's Webster catching at least 150 passes five times per week.

"Really the offseason for me, it really wasn't an offseason. This is the last year of my contract. I can't take breaks off. I know what I want. I know what I want to get," Webster says, pausing, "and I know what it's going to take."

Webster, a third-round pick in the 2013 draft after graduating from the University of South Florida with a degree in health sciences, seeks a bigger role. He knows it might not be available, but with uncertainty surrounding cornerback Aqib Talib's leg injury and Talib facing potential discipline from NFL headquarters, Webster knows he must be ready to shine. Bradley Roby projects to start if Talib remains sidelined, which could make Webster an important figure in the Denver defense's nickel and dime packages.

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"I want to play more. And it's up to me to make the most of it, whether it's five plays or 60," Webster said. "I want to be part of the 'No Fly Zone.' I am in it, but I want people to see me as part of it. Whatever they have in store for me, I have to contribute more."

Webster made two starts as a rookie. None since. He entered the league as an athlete, working off instincts. Working with secondary coach Joe Woods, Webster has improved his technique. The Broncos want Talib in the lineup, but Webster has offered hints this summer that the depth at cornerback is better than expected.

"Roby and Kayvon are working hard," defensive coordinator Wade Phillips said. "I thought both of them played well last year. Roby played a whole lot. Kayvon, I'd like to see more, because he's a good player."

Coach Gary Kubiak praises Webster's finishing kick, for finding a way to make an impact in the season's second half on special teams. But his playoff run proved nothing short of a highlight reel as Webster pinned teams back with relentless effort on punt coverage. Kubiak told the players near season's end that the team which plays best for a month will be remembered. Webster bought in.

"We just showed them film on the inside-the-20 stuff. You look at those playoff games against Pittsburgh and New England, and I believe he downed four inside the 5," said special-teams coach Joe DeCamillis. "That's going to help you win games. He worked his tail off."

For Webster, the impact became real this week. He traveled to the White House, reuniting with teammates and soaking in the moment. It created pause for Webster, who grew up wondering if he ever would have an opportunity to play in college, let alone in the NFL.

"It was amazing," Webster said. "I don't know anyone who has actually been to the White House. For me to represent my family and the county I am from, it meant a lot. I got to shake (President) Barack Obama's hand twice. It was huge. That's a memory I am going to have forever."

Another snapshot to savor arrives Sunday. The Broncos will receive their Super Bowl 50 championship rings in a private ceremony. For Webster, the jewelry represents what was and what is possible going forward.

"I will probably wear it the first couple of days," Webster said of his title ring. "What we did goes down in history. And I was fortunate enough to make a few plays to help us during that run. Having that ring shows my community what hard work can accomplish. But that season is behind us too. We have to get back on another run, and I have so much more I want to do."

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